# Dror 1

> Israeli communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q135295179](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135295179)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dror-1

## Summary
Dror 1 is an Israeli communications satellite designed and operated by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It serves as Israel's national communication satellite, launching successfully on July 13, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite was deployed into a geostationary transfer orbit following a launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

## Key Facts
*   **Entity Type:** Communications Satellite.
*   **Operator:** Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI).
*   **Launch Date:** July 13, 2025, at 05:04 UTC (1:04 a.m. ET).
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (SpaceX).
*   **Launch Site:** Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40), Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
*   **Mission Name:** Commercial GTO-1.
*   **Orbit:** Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO); final destination presumed Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
*   **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2025-148A; SCN 64784.
*   **Country of Origin:** Israel.
*   **Program Inception:** Development began in 2018.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Dror 1 launched?
A: Dror 1 was launched on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 1:04 a.m. ET (05:04 UTC).

### Q: Who built and operates Dror 1?
A: The satellite was developed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (IAI), which also serves as the operator. IAI announced the development of "Dror 1" as Israel's national communication satellite in 2018.

### Q: What rocket launched Dror 1?
A: The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket as part of the "Commercial GTO-1" mission.

## Why It Matters
Dror 1 represents a significant milestone in Israel's national space and communications strategy. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) as a national asset, the satellite enhances the country's independent telecommunication capabilities. Its inception in 2018 and subsequent launch in 2025 highlight a sustained national effort to maintain advanced space infrastructure.

The project also underscores IAI's technical prowess in the aerospace sector. The development of Dror 1 has already influenced future technologies; IAI has cited the satellite as the foundation for its new GEO Mini Communication Satellite (MCS) capabilities unveiled in 2021. The successful deployment via a commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket further illustrates the growing integration of national space programs with commercial launch providers to achieve complex orbital missions.

## Notable For
*   **National Significance:** Officially designated as "Israel’s National Communication Satellite."
*   **Heritage:** Serves as the technological basis for IAI's advanced "MCS" (Mini Communication Satellite) platform.
*   **Launch Profile:** Launched on the "Commercial GTO-1" mission, a specific flight designated by SpaceX for this payload.
*   **Domestic Development:** Fully developed and built by Israel Aerospace Industries, reinforcing Israel's domestic satellite manufacturing capabilities.

## Body

### Development and Origin
The Dror 1 program was initiated in 2018, with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) acting as the primary developer and builder. Officially named "Dror 1" (also stylized as Dror-1), the satellite was intended to serve as Israel's national communication satellite. The program's heritage is significant, as IAI has utilized the development of Dror 1 as a foundation for subsequent innovations, specifically the MCS (Mini Communication Satellite) GEO platform unveiled in late 2021.

### Launch and Deployment
Dror 1 launched successfully on July 13, 2025. The mission, identified by SpaceX as "Commercial GTO-1," utilized a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.
*   **Time:** The launch occurred at 1:04 a.m. ET (05:04 UTC).
*   **Location:** Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
*   **Operator:** The payload fairing logo and official press releases confirm Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd as the operator.

### Orbital Specifications
Upon separation from the launch vehicle, Dror 1 was placed into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). This is a standard orbit for communications satellites intended to reach a final position in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), where it can match the Earth's rotation and provide consistent coverage. The satellite is tracked under the international designator COSPAR ID 2025-148A and Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 64784.

## References

1. [IAI to Develop and Build “Dror 1”, Israel’s National Communication Satellite. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. 2020](https://www.iai.co.il/iai-develop-and-build-dror-1-communication-satellite)
2. [IAI Unveils New Communication Satellite Capabilities. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. 2021](https://www.iai.co.il/iai-unveils-new-communication-satellite-mcs)
3. [Commercial GTO-1 Mission](https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=commercial-gto-1)
4. [Successful launch for Dror-1 - Israel's national communication satellite. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. 2025](https://www.iai.co.il/about/press-release/successful-launch-dror-1-israels-national-communication-satellite)
5. [Dror-1](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7897)